Bulk fake experts
Citing large
Presenting unqualified
individuals or institutions
as sources of credible
information.
Using arguments where
the conclusion doesn’t
logically follow from the
premises. Also known as
a non sequitur.
Skillfully selecting data that
appear to confirm one position while
ignoring other data that contradict
that position.
Proposing that a secret
plan exists to implement
a nefarious scheme such
as hiding a truth.
Fake Debate
Presenting science and
numbers of seeming pseudoscience in an adversarial
experts to argue that format to give the false impression
there is no scientific of an ongoing scientific debate.
consensus on a topic.
Magnified Minority
Magnifying the significance of a
handful of dissenting scientists to cast
doubt on an overwhelming scientific
consensus.
Jumping to conclusions
To make a wrong
claim look logical by
False analogy ignoring relevant
Assuming that because two things information.
are alike in some ways, they are alike in False Choice
some other respect. False dichotomy
Presenting two options as the only
Ambiguity possibilities, when in fact other
Using ambiguous language possibilities exist.
in order to lead to a misleading
conclusion. Single cause
Assuming a single cause or reason
when there might be multiple causes
or reasons.
Red Herring
Ad hominem Deliberately diverting attention to
Attacking a person/group instead an irrelevant point to distract from a
of addressing their arguments. more important point.
Misrepresentation Strawman
Moving goalposts Misrepresenting a situation or an Misrepresenting or exaggerating
Demanding higher levels of evidence opponent’s position in such a way as an opponent’s position to make it easier
after receiving requested evidence. to distort understanding. to attack.
Demanding unrealistic
standards of certainty
before acting on the
science.
Slothful induction
Ignoring relevant The reality of global warming,
evidence when coming the effectiveness of vaccinations
to a conclusion. or the health risks of car exhausts
have one thing in common: the scientific
basics get regularly distorted in political
discussions.
It happens on Facebook, Twitter & Co.,
as well as on internet blogs,
in parliamentarian speeches or in personal
discussions. For lay people the rhetorical
Anecdote tricks used to manipulate public opinion
Using personal experience or are often difficult to detect.
isolated examples instead of sound
arguments or compelling evidence. This graphic explains the often-used
strategies employed by the fog machine
of disinformation.
illustration and design:
klimafakten.de Marie-Pascale Gafinen
sks.to/flicc www.klimafakten.de/flicc www.gafinen.com